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Feb. 28, 2023

Dr. Amy Rothenberg's Life-Changing Journey from Naturopathic Doctor to Cancer Survivor

After experiencing the devastating loss of her parents to diseases that modern medicine could not cure, Dr. Amy Rothenberg discovers her true calling to use natural medicine to fight cancer and empower others to take control of their health, despite the overwhelming odds.


After experiencing the devastating loss of her parents to diseases that modern medicine could not cure, Dr. Amy Rothenberg discovers her true calling to use natural medicine to fight cancer and empower others to take control of their health, despite the overwhelming odds.

"Sometimes you just have to go where the world takes you, whatever you believe in, god, nature, the universe."

After experiencing the death of her father and then the diagnosis of her mother's breast cancer and eventual death, Dr. Amy Rothenberg felt disillusioned with the world of medicine. She was pulled back to the human sciences, however, and soon stumbled upon what would become her calling, Natural Medicine. After meeting Naturopathic doctors in Portland and finding a divine connection with her future husband, she started Naturopathic Medical school and never looked back. After successfully battling breast and ovarian cancer, she now works with a wide range of patients and works in the world of advocacy to promote the integration of natural medicine into conventional care.

You will learn:

  1. How Dr. Amy Rothenberg went from feeling disillusioned with medicine to becoming a successful Naturopathic doctor.
  2. How Dr. Rothenberg uses natural medicine to enhance the efficacy of conventional care for cancer patients.
  3. What Dr. Rothenberg learned about genetic inheritance and obesity when treating her family.

Dr. Amy Rothenberg is a Naturopathic doctor who has been married for 36 years and has three children. She has treated thousands of patients over her career, including her own mother and sister, who had breast cancer. She is an expert in integrative oncology and wrote a book about using natural medicine to enhance conventional care.


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Transcript
[00:00:00]
Dr. Amy Rothenberg is a beloved doctor, writer, and teacher in the world of natural and integrative medicine. She is also a cancer survivor and thriver whose book Treatment Now What A Field Guide for Cancer Survivors creates a roadmap to help navigate survivorship years.
[00:04:29]
I've treated thousands of people over my career. I enjoy treating people of all ages. When you have the opportunity to work with the whole family, first of all, you can start to see genetics in play. preventive medicine is really the way to go.
[00:08:28]
We have an overemphasis on thinness, and that's also not healthy for people. Obesity is a risk factor for so many illnesses. It's related to the toxic environment we find ourselves in between the water, the food sources, and the air. We can control the things we can control.
[00:12:53]
Amy Rothenberg was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 54. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and genetic testing. She says she did quite well going through the breast cancer treatment. Rotenberg now faces ovarian cancer in January 2015.
[00:18:04]
My worst moment was when I took a fall, just a simple fall over a little part of a rug. Sometimes it's something unrelated to the treatment that's the worst thing. I always encourage my cancer patients or any patients with serious illnesses to go to the doctor with somebody.
[00:21:07]
My best moment was probably getting chemo. My husband and I started doing ballroom dance in the middle of that chemo suite. Exercise immediately before lying on the table or getting in the position of the radiation. Never wore a hospital gown.
[00:23:10]
I wish I had known how hard it would be for me to fast. Fasting right before, during, and right after chemo helps weaken cancer cells. I like the fasting-mimicking diet where, as you said, it's not a total fast. What is one thing you wish you had known at the beginning of your cancer journey?
[00:25:27]
Dr. Amy Rothenberg would make exercise part of every K through twelve education program. Being sedentary is worse than smoking. Doctors should be writing prescriptions for exercise, and gyms should be more affordable. What's one resource that you would recommend for cancer patients and caregivers?
[00:30:59]
When does your book come out? September 27. I think the book will help a lot of people, especially people who are suffering and struggling with symptoms they have left over from conventional cancer care. Do you share your story in the book as well?
Dr. Amy RothenbergProfile Photo

Dr. Amy Rothenberg

Dr. Rothenberg is a beloved doctor, writer, and teacher in the world of natural and integrative medicine. She is also a cancer survivor and thriver whose book, You Finished Treatment, Now What? A Field Guide for Cancer Survivors creates a road map to help navigate survivorship years.